Jack Grealish sends message of support to Engand teen footballer with cerebral palsy
Jack Grealish continues to be an absolutely top bloke as, in his latest act of kindness, the Manchester City star has sent a touching social media message to a disabled footballer with cerebral palsy after he received some disappointing news.
The Man City and England midfielder has plenty of understanding when it comes to the challenges people with disabilities can face as his younger sister Hollie is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, so when he heard that aspiring young footballer, Bryan Kilpatrick-Elliott, also has the same condition, he didn’t hesitate to reach out.
16-year-old Bryan, originally from Doncaster, has been playing for cerebral palsy team CP United FC for several years now, helping raise incredible awareness around disability football from a young age.
Sadly, however, earlier this month the teenager was told he could no longer stay on England’s official Para football pathway after nine years of playing and hard work. As a result, Bryan has received an outpouring of support online — including from City’s no.10, Jack Grealish.
Big up @JackGrealish offering some kind words to a young footballer after a disappointing setback. ❤️@bryanjunior2006 has cerebral palsy but was sadly told he doesn’t qualify for @England’s Para football pathway.
Join us in showing support for this inspiring young man. 👊 https://t.co/D4oVsp7qoh
— The Manc (@TheMancUK) August 23, 2023
Obviously gutted at the International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football‘s decision — which essentially ruled that he wasn’t disabled enough to meet the classification rules — Bryan’s parents have been sharing his story online and the 27-year-old Premier League star didn’t hesitate to offer his kind words.
In typically wholesome fashion, Grealish simply says, “Keep your head up, mate, keep playing football with a big smile on your face. We all have setbacks in life and stuff we don’t want to hear, but it’s how you react to that. I’ve had plenty in my time.
“Keep up the hard work, mate… I know how much you love football and also the work you’ve been doing in raising awareness for cerebral palsy and disabilities in football, so keep that up. I’m proud of you; keep playing and never give up on your dreams”.
He isn’t the only one to have reached out and shown their support either: Joel Beya, presenter of Rio Ferdinand‘s FIVE podcast, also heard about Bryan’s knock-back and having been spotlighted by Rio’s Foundation last year, he also joined in offering some words of encouragement.
Thanks for the support @joelbeya 👊 pic.twitter.com/U4IerBuo73
— Bryan Kilpatrick-Elliott (@bryanjunior2006) August 13, 2023
Bryan hasn’t just been trying to become a footballer like many other kids his age; this remarkable young man has been directly increasing awareness surrounding cerebral palsy in football and disability sports, in general, as well as improving people’s understanding of the condition by giving talks at school and sharing useful resources on social media.
Having represented England’s Para team in smaller tournaments growing up, it was Bryan’s dream to one day go and represent his country in the Paralympic Games, and while it seems the IFCPF have made their decision, he is still dedicated to helping introduce more people to the world of disability sport and supporting others on their journey.
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What an incredible young man this is, and he’s already done wonders for getting the word out about CP United FC – a team that plays right here in Greater Manchester and all across the North West.
Never stop playing, Bryan.
Meet 14 year old Bryan from Doncaster. Bryan shares his story of playing for @CP_United_FC and his work to raise awareness of #CerebralPalsy and #disabilityfootball . An inspirational young man who we are proud to have involved with the Foundation. pic.twitter.com/K1vcWG0mpF
— Rio Ferdinand Foundation (@riofoundation) January 5, 2022
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